Whereas there have been no main revisions to the AirPods lineup in 2023, Apple is getting ready an enormous shakeup for this yr. Headlining the updates in 2024 will likely be a whole overhaul of the entry-level AirPods lineup. Right here’s every little thing we all know up to now.
Apple’s present AirPods lineup
Apple presently sells 5 completely different variations of AirPods:
AirPods 4 are coming later this yr
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has extensively reported on Apple’s plans to launch AirPods (4th technology) in 2024. In response to Gurman, Apple will discontinue AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 this yr, and exchange them with two completely different AirPods 4 variants.
The AirPods 4 fashions will reportedly characteristic a design that “seems to be like a mix” of AirPods 3 and AirPods Professional, together with brief stems. Neither of the AirPods 4 variants will characteristic replaceable suggestions like AirPods Professional, however they may “supply an improved match.”
What about options? Bloomberg says that Apple is planning to distinguish the 2 AirPods 4 fashions in just a few other ways. The upper-end AirPods 4 will supply noise cancellation, whereas the lower-end mannequin won’t.
Each variations of AirPods 4 will embody a brand new charging case that makes use of USB-C for charging. The charging case included with the higher-end AirPods 4, nonetheless, may also embody built-in audio system for improved Discover My integration. In response to Bloomberg, the brand new AirPods 4 fashions are due for a launch later in 2024. Sometimes, Apple has launched new AirPods across the identical time as new iPhones in September.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has additionally reported that Apple is engaged on a low-cost model of AirPods that will likely be launched in 2024. Kuo has recommended that the so-called “AirPods Lite” might be priced at $99. Analyst Jeff Pu has additionally mentioned that AirPods Lite are within the works.
Whether or not Kuo and Pu are referring to the identical lower-end model of AirPods 4 as Bloomberg, or a unique product fully, is unclear.
Apple thinks AirPods 4 will likely be a success
In response to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is planning a significant manufacturing ramp for AirPods 4. Gurman studies that Apple suppliers will produce between 20 and 25 million items of the brand new AirPods 4 fashions. This might make for the most important AirPods launch ever for Apple.
AirPods 4 manufacturing is predicted to kick off in Could with Apple concentrating on a fall launch, possible alongside the iPhone 16.
What about AirPods Professional and AirPods Max?
Additionally in 2024, Apple will launch a new model of AirPods Max. Sadly, the one change right here will likely be a swap from Lightning to USB-C for charging. In response to Bloomberg, Apple isn’t planning some other upgrades for AirPods Max this yr. AirPods Max will proceed to make use of the identical H1 chip that they’ve used since 2020, which implies they may proceed to overlook out on numerous fashionable AirPods options.
For AirPods Professional followers, rumors are that Apple isn’t planning an replace till 2025. This revision will embody a brand new design and a brand new chip, amongst different new options. These new options may embody health-focused capabilities, equivalent to these associated to listening to well being.
Wrap up
To recap, right here’s the forthcoming AirPods roadmap:
- Later in 2024: AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 discontinued and changed with two AirPods 4 fashions
- Later in 2024: AirPods Max up to date to change from Lightning to USB-C
- Someday in 2025: New AirPods Professional with an up to date design, new chip, and well being options.
Are you planning to purchase new AirPods this yr? Tell us down within the feedback.
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